St Kieran’s College Transition year students, KKB and New Orchard Residents took part in the Science week tree planting programme, planting some 500 trees for the environment in Kilkenny City. The trees were donated by Coilte in conjunction with Science Foundation Ireland and coordinated by Orla Farrell of the easy treesie Crann project. congratulations to all. maintenance of the newly planted areas will continue in the spring.

Following a major upgrade the Patrick street area is taking on a new life. New planting, seating and trees, bike stands, wider paths, new sustainable lighting and all cables underground. Many premises are also renewing and are being painting. An example includes Byrnes Coach Factory which has been attractively renovated!

KKB and Dukesmeadows residents participated in a UN-backed global initiative which is being spearheaded in Ireland by the charity Crann, Trees for Ireland through their easy treesie project. With support from Kilkenny County Council, children are assisted in planting native and naturalised trees in their local area. Kilkenny City was selected for a ceremonial tree planting in advance of Earth Day next Monday . This project will assist in providing a shelter belt and wildlife corridor, capture carbon and of course beautify our area.The fruit trees are also very important for our wildlife and pollinators.

Fruit tree planting at Dukesmeadows

Many children around the country have already had a chance to join in this environmental learning opportunity, planting over 14,000 trees in their local parks, community gardens, roadside verges and hospitals as part of the challenge for Ireland’s children to plant a million trees by 2023.

The trees have been specially selected by the team of specialists in easy treesie – Crann. Joining in this activity ties in with many curriculum objectives at local schools and will assist in their winning the International Green Flags.

There was a presentation at Dukesmeadows during the planting on the subject of trees and their importance for our city by Orla Farrell of Crann . A great planting was has by all. Our children will have the opportunity to benefit from the fruit of their labours for many years to come.

KKB have been working with many groups throughout Kilkenny over the last number of years to plant hundreds of fruit trees and bushes suitable for their location.A number of community orchards have already been established and additional orchards are being planned. This action continue over the next number of years. Residents associations and voluntary groups who would like to participate in this action are more than welcome to contact KKB for the next planting season.

Throughout Kilkenny our many pear and apple community orchards are flowering in colourful whites and pinks. The wild cherry has already flowered. We look forward to the fruit later in the year. Additional orchard and fruit tree planting continues each year at new locations and existing trees are pruned. Attractive orchards can be seen at various locations and estates through out our City. Examples can be seen at Kilkenny castle Park, Waterford Rd. and Bennettsbridge rd. Along the main ring road there is a variety of fruit trees planted interspersed among the overall planting.

Congratulations to all who attended the tree planting near the board walk at Lacken, walk. many hundreds of trees have been planted including many native Irish species. the weather was damp but this made for good planting conditions with the ground soft and receptive to bare root tree slips. In particular we thank Dan of Tree Services Ireland who coordinated the event and whose aim is to plant two trees for every one tree removed!

Congratulations to Rehab and Bird Watch Ireland for joining our 2017 “planting for the future”initiative . A new orchard and fruit garden has been planted just off Bennettsbridge road. The new garden will continue to give fruit and apples into the future. it will be bee and wild life friendly. It is one of a large number of orchards and fruit gardens which have been planted in and around Kilkenny City by Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, Kilkenny County Council and many of our Residents Associations over the last number of years.

As part of our long term sustainability programme KKB, our many residents associations and our Local Authority are leaving a legacy of extensive fruit tree and fruit bush planting each year right around Kilkenny City. These trees and bushes will continue to give fruit, cover and colour to our community for many years to come, Kilkenny City has a very suitable micro climate for fruit tree planting. Kilkenny: The orchard of Ireland.

Blackcurrant and gooseberry plants having been propagated by Keep Kilkenny Beautiful from 2016 cuttings are prepared for planting to create a new fruit garden in 2017. The fruit is equally popular for jam making as to be eaten our birds during the summer.

Apple tree planting underway 2017 creating a new fruit garden , protection is being provided to protect the base of the trees from strimming and bark mulch to keep growth down by the trees.

There are already many fruit tree varieties in our city , this tree is located in the city centre near the Black abbey (pictured autumn 2016)

Congratulations to Birdwatch Ireland, there has been a confirmed sighting of the Great spotted woodpecker to the western side of Kilkenny City. This is great news for our City. Extensive work has been undertaken over many years to improve and extend tree cover and woodland in Kilkenny. This is creating a habitat suitable for the wood pecker.

The wonderful River Nore walk between Kilkenny and Bennettsbridge was featured in the Irish Times. The trail stretches for 11 km and starts at Canal square under Kilkenny Castle. There is also a very attractive loop and board walk starting at Canal square. this extends as far as the new pedestrian bridge at Ossory Bridge and back on the opposite river side. This loop which meanders through a wooded area along the river Nore is c.5km in length. The City Loop was only completed in 2014 and it is already very popular with visitors.

A start can be made at Kilkenny castle. The walk is directly under the imposing castle.

Under is a view of the extensively wooded valley between Kilkenny castle and Ossory bridge which forms the attractive walking loop close to the City.